Reading
SAA Notes
The book of Daniel is a ‘revelation’ like the book of Revelation in the New Testament. In the Hebrew Old Testament, Daniel is grouped with the other writings like the Psalms, and not with the Prophets like Isaiah. A brief sketch of Daniel’s personal history is given in this chapter. These four young men are faithful to God and He is to them. What an encouragement!
SJA Notes
* God Above, thank You for Your word to us today. Please plant it in our hearts today, and grow it, that we might be good soil and bear much fruit.
“And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus.”
Here is a wonderful thing.
Amidst the writing of the prophets we have read recently, calling Israel and each of the other nations, to repentance – Here we have Daniel and his three friends.
They were in exile. Babylon.
While Isaiah and Jeremiah were being read and Ezekiel was experiencing his visions – Daniel and his three friends walked obediently under God’s will while living in exile.
“And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus.”
Daniel’s life spanned multiple foreign kings. He spent time advising some of the most powerful leaders of that era. He served God faithful while doing so.
Daniel kept God in His rightful place, refusing the bow the knee to man or idol, unlike most of God’s people in exile at that time.
Daniel refused to give the Caesar of the time what was God’s (see Mark 12).
Are we faithful as Daniel was, in our current generation?
In this world where truth and lie are swapped about like a game, in a time when corruption in society seems to be everywhere – Are we bending our spirits to false gods and fallen humanity?
Or are we faithful as Daniel was, to our King and Lord and Saviour?
* Father God,
Please sink us in self that we might rise in You.
Please put within us a right desire to see Your Name hallowed.
Thank You for the witness of Daniel.
May we be a little more like Jesus today.
Amen.